Kolkata, 18 June 2025 | Sanatan Varta
In a major judicial development that could have far-reaching political and social implications, the Calcutta High Court’s Division Bench, comprising Justice Tapobrata Chatterjee and Justice Rajshekhar Manthar, stayed the West Bengal Government’s notification concerning OBC (Other Backward Classes) reservations.
This interim order was passed on 17th June 2025, halting the implementation of the government’s controversial OBC classification under its 2012 reservation policy—a move that has sparked sharp reactions across political circles, civil society, and communities affected by the decision.
What Was the Notification About?
The West Bengal Government, under its previous and current regimes, issued a series of notifications post-2010—notably between 2010 and 2012—which added several Muslim communities and other groups to the OBC category. These inclusions, critics argue, were made without due application of empirical data, socio-economic studies, or recommendations by the Backward Classes Commission.
The latest notification, which was under legal scrutiny, was seen by many as a politically motivated expansion of the OBC list before the upcoming 2026 West Bengal Assembly Elections.
What Did the High Court Say?
While the full text of the judgment is awaited, sources inside the courtroom confirmed that the Division Bench expressed serious concerns over the constitutional validity of the OBC inclusions. The court stayed the notification, implying that no fresh benefits under the now-stayed notification can be availed until further judicial review.
The Bench also scheduled further hearings to examine the basis and methodology adopted by the state in including the communities in question under the OBC list.
Key Points from the Court Order:
• Stay granted on the operation of the OBC notification.
• Further hearings to scrutinize the legality and data behind the classification.
• Temporary freeze on any new inclusions or benefits based on the stayed order.
• Remarks on the lack of proper recommendations from constitutional bodies like the State Backward Classes Commission.
Background: The OBC Policy Debate in West Bengal
> The OBC policy in West Bengal has been in the eye of the storm for over a decade.
> Critics argue that the inclusion of certain religious communities without social audits violates the Supreme Court's Mandal Commission standards.
> In 2023, a PIL was filed seeking a re-evaluation of the inclusion of 42 Muslim groups in the OBC list.
> The matter eventually reached the Calcutta High Court, resulting in today’s landmark stay.
What Happens Next?
The matter is now scheduled for further constitutional scrutiny. If the court finds procedural lapses, it may:
- Order a complete rollback of the OBC notification.
- Ask for fresh socio-economic surveys.
- Recommend the formation of a Judicial Commission or Expert Committee to review the OBC list afresh.
Why This Matters to You
» Students & Job Seekers: If you’re applying under the OBC category based on the 2010–2012 notifications, this ruling may pause or revoke your eligibility temporarily.
» Social Groups & Communities: This ruling revives debates around caste, religion, and affirmative action, and may impact future inclusion.
» Political Watchers: With elections on the horizon, expect major policy shifts and campaign strategy changes from all parties.
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Sanatan Varta will continue to closely monitor the developments in this case, bringing you accurate, unbiased, and officially verified updates every step of the way.
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